Caring Beyond awards honour staff for exceptional compassion and care
Shakti Brata Haldar was working a busy shift as an orderly in the JGH Emergency Department when he received an urgent request: The Intensive Care Unit needed someone to translate for an ailing patient who spoke Bengali. Could Mr. Haldar help?
He didn’t hesitate. He went up to the ICU to interpret for staff, and then acted as a liaison with the patient’s family in Bangladesh. He kept up the tasks on a daily basis, checking in on the patient, assisting the family overseas, and interpreting for the ICU —all on top of his already pressing demands in the Emergency Department.
When the patient passed away, Mr. Haldar helped organize a fundraiser that collected $14,000 to fly the man’s body to Bangladesh for funerals services.
Mr. Haldar’s selfless acts have been recognized with a Caring Beyond award, an initiative of the JGH Humanization of Care Committee.
“I believe his actions show true compassion,” said the person who nominated him.
Mr. Haldar is one of four new award recipients. Each fulfilled the Committee’s mission to promote patient-centred and compassionate care by demonstrating a willingness to go the extra distance for patients, co-workers and families.
Cintia Miletti, Medical Secretary to Dr. Nir Hilzenrat and Dr. Chiara Saroli-Palumbo, Division of Gastroenterology
Cintia Miletti was recognized for the exceptional care she has shown patients, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when many people were isolated at home, Ms. Miletti made sure that they were supported and received the attention they needed.
“With procedures being postponed, Cintia has always taken the time to address our concerns over the telephone or by email,” said the patient who nominated her. “She always inquires about our situation, how we feel, and always follows up with a smile.”
Described as an exceptionally caring person, Ms. Miletti not only maintained an efficient link between patients and their physicians. She supported them in coping with their disease, which had a positive and lasting impact on their lives.
Christina Adamantia Canticas, Assistant Chief Medical Technologist, Transfusion Service
Christina Adamantia Canticas received a Caring Beyond Award for her tireless work during the cyberattack at the JGH in the fall of 2020. The attack required staff in the Transfusion Service to implement an emergency plan that ensured the smooth functioning and tracing of products. Such plans are normally designed to cover emergencies that last a few hours. This one lasted eight weeks.
The entire team responded professionally to the crisis, which posed a threat to vulnerable patients. They shifted their schedules and extended their work to 12-hour shifts. While the dedication of the entire team was commended by the nominator, Ms. Canticas’s effort stood out. She managed all staff and schedule changes and supported the team to steer them through the unprecedented event.
“Christina had to modify schedules, find more staff, and delay departures for staff who had accepted transfers to other positions,” the nominator said. “She even tried to recall former staff to their previous positions temporarily.”
Sophie Deschamps, Nurse on K2
Sophie Deschamps was given the Caring Beyond award for her kind and compassionate care for patients. According to the person who nominated her, she always takes extra time with each patient to assess how they are coping throughout their hospital stay.
Ms. Deschamps also digs into her own pocket to provide personal supplies, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and laundry supplies for patients who don’t have family members to bring these items to the hospital.
She is described as a source of emotional support for both patients and her co-workers, with a warm personality that leaves an impact on others. “Sophie always makes it a point to see how everyone is doing,” said the person who nominated her.
Do you know a JGH staff member who has demonstrated extraordinary acts of kindness and compassion towards patients and their families? Someone who has gone that extra mile? JGH staff members, patients and their relatives, as well as other members of the public, are invited to nominate any JGH staff member who went above and beyond the call of duty. You can find a nomination form on the JGH website.
